Nepal Election 2026: Nepal is set to hold its general election on March 5, 2026, marking a significant moment in its political landscape. This election follows the youth-led anti-corruption protests that resulted in the government’s collapse in September 2025, leading to the formation of an interim government under former Chief Justice Sushila Karki.
Nearly 19 million Nepalis, including 800,000 first-time voters, will participate in electing 275 members of the House of Representatives. The election employs a mixed electoral system, combining First Past The Post (FPTP) and Proportional Representation (PR) to ensure broad societal representation. Of the total seats, 165 will be filled through FPTP, while 110 will be decided by PR.
The election sees significant figures such as Balendra Shah, a former mayor of Kathmandu and candidate for the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), challenging former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in the Jhapa 5 constituency. The Nepali Congress, now led by Gagan Thapa, and other parties like the Communist Party of Nepal UML, are also key players.
The geopolitical implications are profound, with India and China closely monitoring the election. India’s interest stems from its historical influence and contentious relations with Oli, while China views Nepal as a strategic partner in its Belt and Road Initiative. The US aligns with India in strategic objectives. The Election Commission aims to release results swiftly, a challenging task given Nepal’s rugged terrain.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 26th, 2026
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